U.S. patent number 6,939,272 [Application Number 10/135,957] was granted by the patent office on 2005-09-06 for bend and stretch abdominal and lower back exercise machine.
Invention is credited to Qingping Wu.
United States Patent |
6,939,272 |
Wu |
September 6, 2005 |
Bend and stretch abdominal and lower back exercise machine
Abstract
An exercise machine includes a bench and board section including
a stationary bench having first and second opposite ends, and a
board having first and second opposite ends, with the first end of
the board pivotally mounted adjacent the second end of the
stationary bench, each of the bench and board being formed
substantially from a single piece which can selectively support a
torso of a person and legs of the person, and a resistance device
in contact with the single piece board and which applies a
resistance to pivotal movement of the board, while permitting the
board to swing up and down against a resistance applied by the
resistance device.
Inventors: |
Wu; Qingping (Englewood Cliffs,
NJ) |
Family
ID: |
34890147 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/135,957 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/92; 482/100;
482/127; 482/130; 482/137; 482/140; 482/142; 482/145; 482/97 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
21/153 (20130101); A63B 21/4043 (20151001); A63B
21/4031 (20151001); A63B 21/4029 (20151001); A63B
21/4047 (20151001); A63B 21/0628 (20151001); A63B
21/008 (20130101); A63B 21/02 (20130101); A63B
23/0211 (20130101); A63B 23/0216 (20130101); A63B
23/0233 (20130101); A63B 2208/0242 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
21/00 (20060101); A63B 21/02 (20060101); A63B
26/00 (20060101); A63B 71/00 (20060101); A63B
021/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;482/56,95-96,100,127,136-138,140,142,145,130,92 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Donnelly; Jerome W.
Assistant Examiner: Hwang; Victor K.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Goldberg; Richard M.
Parent Case Text
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/290,373, filed May 11, 2001.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise machine comprising: a bench and board section
including a stationary bench having first and second opposite ends,
and a board having first and second opposite ends, with the first
end of said board pivotally mounted adjacent the second end of the
stationary bench, each of the bench and board being formed
substantially from a single piece which can selectively support a
torso of a person and legs of the person, said stationary bench and
said board are mounted on a frame, a resistance device in contact
with the single piece board and which applies a resistance to
pivotal movement of the board, while permitting the board to swing
up and down against a resistance applied by the resistance device,
at least one set of arms positionable to sides of said frame that a
person can hold onto while exercising, said one set of arms being
movable between an operable position extending from the frame and a
storage position beneath the bench, and a locking arrangement for
releasably locking said at least one set of arms into an immovable
position while the person is exercising and holding onto said at
least one set of arms.
2. An exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein said
resistance device includes a stacked weight arrangement and a
pulley system connected between the second end of the board and the
stacked weight arrangement.
3. An exercise machine according to claim 2, wherein: said stacked
weight arrangement includes at least one bar and a plurality of
weights selectively connected with said at least one bar, and said
pulley system includes at least one pulley and a cable connected
between said at least one bar and said second end of said board,
and extending over said at least one pulley.
4. An exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein said
stationary bench and said board are mounted on a frame, and said
resistance device includes: an axle rotatably mounted to said
frame, a lever mounted on said axle and having a free end in
contact with an underside of said board, a post fixedly mounted on
said axle, a stacked weight arrangement, and a pulley system
connected between a free end of said post and the stacked weight
arrangement.
5. An exercise machine according to claim 4, wherein: said stacked
weight arrangement includes at least one bar and a plurality of
weights selectively connected with said at least one bar, and said
pulley system includes at least one pulley and a cable connected
between said at least one bar and said free end of said post, and
extending over said at least one pulley.
6. An exercise machine according to claim 4, further comprising an
arrangement for varying an angular relation between said lever and
said post to adjust the angular position of the board in its
initial raised position.
7. An exercise machine according to claim 6, wherein said lever is
rotatably mounted on said axle, and said arrangement for varying
the angular relation includes: a first spline rotatably mounted on
said axle and fixed to said lever, a second spline fixedly mounted
on said axle adjacent to said first spline, a third outer spline
surrounding said first and second splines and in meshing engagement
therewith, and a spline removing arrangement for removing said
third outer spline from one of said first and second splines to
permit rotation of said lever relative to said axle, whereupon when
said third spline is moved back over said first and second splines,
the angle of inclination of said lever relative to said axle has
changed, resulting in the angular position of the board in its
initial raised position being changed.
8. An exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein said
stationary bench and said board are mounted on a frame, and said
resistance device includes; an axle rotatably mounted to said
frame, a lever mounted on said axle and having a free end in
contact with an underside of said board, and a spiral spring having
a first end fixed relative to the frame and a second opposite end
connected with said axle.
9. An exercise machine according to claim 8, further comprising an
arrangement for adjusting a position of said first end of the
spiral spring relative to the frame.
10. An exercise machine according to claim 9, wherein said
arrangement for adjusting includes: gear teeth on the frame, a gear
rotatably connected with the first end of the spiral spring, a
handle for moving the gear along the gear teeth to adjust the
position of the first end of the spiral spring, and a securing
arrangement for releasably securing the first end of the spiral
spring relative to the frame after the gear has been moved along
the gear teeth to a desired position.
11. An exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein said
stationary bench and said board are mounted on a frame, and said
resistance device includes: an axle mounted to said frame, at least
one torsion spring mounted on said axle and having a first end
fixed relative to said frame, and a second opposite end, and a
lever mounted on said second opposite end of said at least one
torsion spring and having a free end in contact with an underside
of said board.
12. An exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein said
stationary bench and said board are mounted on a frame, and said
resistance device includes: an axle rotatably mounted to said
frame, a first lever fixedly mounted on said axle and having a free
end in contact with an underside of said board, a second lever
fixedly mounted on said axle and having a free end, the first and
second levers being oriented at different angular positions on said
axle, and a spring resistance mechanism connected between said
frame and the free end of said second lever.
13. An exercise machine according to claim 12, wherein said spring
resistance mechanism includes at least one biasing member connected
with the frame and a spring pusher connected between said at least
one biasing member and the free end of said second lever.
14. An exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein said arms are
pivotal for movement between a raised position for holding onto to
aid a person moving from a supine position to a sitting up
position, and a lowered position.
15. An exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein said
stationary bench and said board are mounted on a frame, and further
comprising a double hinge having a first hinge axis that permits
the board to pivotally move relative to the stationary bench and a
second hinge axis that permits the board to pivot in parallel
relation directly above the stationary bench.
16. An exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein upper
surfaces of said bench and said board can move relative to each
other at an angle greater than 180.degree. during an exercise.
17. An exercise machine comprising: a bench and board section
including a stationary bench having first and second opposite ends,
and a board having first and second opposite ends, with the first
end of said board pivotally mounted adjacent the second end of the
stationary bench, each of the bench and board being formed
substantially from a single piece which can selectively support a
torso of a person and legs of the person, at least one of said
bench and said board include an extension connected therewith and
which is longitudinally slidable with respect to the respective
connected one of said bench and said board during an exercise, and
a resistance device in contact with the single piece board and
which applies a resistance to pivotal movement of the board, while
permitting the board to swing up and down against a resistance
applied by the resistance device.
18. An exercise machine comprising: a bench and board section
including a stationary bench having first and second opposite ends,
and a board having first and second opposite ends, with the first
end of said board pivotally mounted adjacent the second end of the
stationary bench, each of the bench and board being formed
substantially from a single piece which can selectively support a
torso of a person and legs of the person, said stationary bench and
said board are mounted on a frame, and a resistance device in
contact with the single piece board and which applies a resistance
to pivotal movement of the board, while permitting the board to
swing up and down against a resistance applied by the resistance
device, said resistance device including: an axle rotatably mounted
to said frame, a lever mounted on said axle and having a free end
in contact with an underside of said board, and a weight holder
mounted to said axle for holding a plurality of weights such that
downward movement of said board causes said axle to rotate through
said lever and thereby causes said weight holder to rotate, and
release of pressure on said board results in said weight holder
returning by gravity to its original neutral position to move said
board back to its initial raised position.
19. An exercise machine according to claim 18, further comprising
an arrangement for varying an angular relation between said lever
and said weight holder to adjust the angular position of the board
in its initial raised position.
20. An exercise machine according to claim 19, wherein said lever
is rotatably mounted on said axle, and said arrangement for varying
the angular relation includes: a first spline rotatably mounted on
said axle and fixed to said lever, a second spline fixedly mounted
on said axle adjacent to said first spline, a third outer spline
surrounding said first and second splines and in meshing engagement
therewith, and a spline removing arrangement for removing said
third outer spline from one of said first and second splines to
permit rotation of said lever relative to said axle, whereupon when
said third spline is moved back over said first and second splines,
the angle of inclination of said lever relative to said axle has
changed, resulting in the angular position of the board in its
initial raised position being changed.
21. An exercise machine according to claim 18, wherein: the weight
holder includes a main arm for holding the weights, the arm being
pivotally mounted for movement between a vertical position and a
weight loading position angled relative to the vertical position;
and further comprising a spare weight holder having a spare arm for
holding extra weights, the spare arm being aligned with the main
arm when the main arm is angled at the weight loading position so
that the extra weights on the spare arm can be slid onto the main
arm, and the main arm can then be rotated to the vertical position
for operation of the exercise machine.
22. An exercise machine according to claim 18, further comprising
at least one spring loaded stop positioned beneath said board for
providing a soft stop of said board when said board is moving
downwardly.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an abdominal and/or lower back
exercise machine and a method for using the same, in which the back
and legs of a person are stabilized during an exercise. More
particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine
which facilitates trunk flexion and stretch exercises utilizing
sit-up and/or leg-raising motions, without incurring lower back
injuries.
Strong abdominal muscles are desirable for health reasons. The
benefits not only enhance appearance, but also prevent and reduce
lower back problems. Abdominal exercise also can improve the
internal circulation of some organs and the back nervous
system.
Traditional methods of exercise for strengthening the abdominal
muscles are the sit-up exercise or leg raises. Because the upper
body or legs are suspended and not supported, there is much wasted
energy in raising the head, upper body or legs, with not much
energy being directed to the exercise of the abdominal muscles.
Many repetitions of sit-ups and leg raises cannot be performed
without supporting the head, upper body and legs, so that these
exercises are not effective methods for developing strong abdominal
muscles.
When the upper body or legs are suspended, the upper body or legs
are not supported and the vertebrae have a force applied to them by
a torque of the upper body or legs, which can easily result in the
development of back injuries. Therefore, these exercises are
difficult for most people to perform.
Further, traditional exercise methods only bend, but do not
stretch, the abdominal muscles. However, to be effective, exercise
methods should stretch the abdominal muscles.
Traditional exercise methods which entail lifting weights by the
upper body or legs against gravity easily fatigue the back, leg,
and other muscles, and are therefore not good for increasing the
back nervous system circulation.
Accordingly, there is a need for a safer and effective method and
apparatus for performing abdominal and lower back exercises.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an
exercise machine that overcomes the problems with the
aforementioned prior art.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an
exercise machine that includes a stationary bench, a board
pivotally mounted relative thereto, and a resistance device in
contact with the board.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an
exercise machine of this type in which each of the bench and board
is formed substantially from a single piece which can selectively
support a torso of a person or legs of the person.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an
exercise machine that is easy and economical to use and
manufacture.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an exercise
machine includes a bench and board section including a stationary
bench having first and second opposite ends, and a board having
first and second opposite ends, with the first end of the board
pivotally mounted adjacent the second end of the stationary bench,
each of the bench and board being formed substantially from a
single piece which can selectively support a torso of a person and
legs of the person, and a resistance device in contact with the
single piece board and which applies a resistance to pivotal
movement of the board, while permitting the board to swing up and
down against a resistance applied by the resistance device.
In a first embodiment, the resistance device includes a stacked
weight arrangement and a pulley system connected between the second
end of the board and the stacked weight arrangement. The stacked
weight arrangement includes at least one bar and a plurality of
weights selectively connected with the at least one bar, and the
pulley system includes at least one pulley and a cable connected
between the at least one bar and the second end of the board, and
extending over the at least pulley.
In a second embodiment, the stationary bench and the board are
mounted on a frame, and the resistance device includes an axle
rotatably mounted to the frame, a lever mounted on the axle and
having a free end in contact with an underside of the board, and a
weight holder mounted to the axle for holding a plurality of
weights such that downward movement of the board causes the axle to
rotate through the lever and thereby causes the weight holder to
rotate, and release of pressure on the board results in the weight
holder returning by gravity to its original neutral position to
move the board back to its initial raised position. In this
embodiment, there is also an arrangement for varying an angular
relation between the lever and the weight holder to adjust the
angular position of the board in its initial raised position. In
such case, the lever is rotatably mounted on the axle, and the
arrangement for varying the angular relation includes a first
spline rotatably mounted on the axle and fixed to the lever, a
second spline fixedly mounted on the axle adjacent to the first
spline, a third outer spline surrounding the first and second
splines and in meshing engagement therewith, and a spline removing
arrangement for removing the third outer spline from one of the
first and second splines to permit rotation of the lever relative
to the axle, whereupon when the third spline is moved back over the
first and second splines, the angle of inclination of the lever
relative to the axle has changed, resulting in the angular position
of the board in its initial raised position being changed.
In a third embodiment, the stationary bench and the board are
mounted on a frame, and the resistance device includes an axle
rotatably mounted to the frame, a lever mounted on the axle and
having a free end in contact with an underside of the board, a post
fixedly mounted on the axle, a stacked weight arrangement, and a
pulley system connected between a free end of the post and the
stacked weight arrangement. In such case, the stacked weight
arrangement includes at least one bar and a plurality of weights
selectively connected with the at least one bar, and the pulley
system includes at least one pulley and a cable connected between
the at least one bar and the free end of the post, and extending
over the at least one pulley. Again, there is further provided an
arrangement for varying an angular relation between the lever and
the post to adjust the angular position of the board in its initial
raised position. In such case, the lever is rotatably mounted on
the axle, and the arrangement for varying the angular relation
includes a first spline rotatably mounted on the axle and fixed to
the lever, a second spline fixedly mounted on the axle adjacent to
the first spline, a third outer spline surrounding the first and
second splines and in meshing engagement therewith, and a spline
removing arrangement for removing the third outer spline from one
of the first and second splines to permit rotation of the lever
relative to the axle, whereupon when the third spline is moved back
over the first and second splines, the angle of inclination of the
lever relative to the axle has changed, resulting in the angular
position of the board in its initial raised position being
changed.
In a fourth embodiment, the stationary bench and the board are
mounted on a frame, and the resistance device includes an axle
rotatably mounted to the frame, a lever mounted on the axle and
having a free end in contact with an underside of the board, and a
spiral spring having a first end fixed relative to the frame and a
second opposite end connected with the axle. There is further an
arrangement for adjusting a position of the first end of the spiral
spring relative to the frame. In such case, the arrangement for
adjusting includes gear teeth on the frame, a gear rotatably
connected with the first end of the spiral spring, a handle for
moving the gear along the gear teeth to adjust the position of the
first end of the spiral spring, and a securing arrangement for
releasably securing the first end of the spiral spring relative to
the frame after the gear has been moved along the gear teeth to a
desired position.
In a fifth embodiment, the stationary bench and the board are
mounted on a frame, and the resistance device includes an axle
mounted to the frame, at least one torsion spring mounted on the
axle and having a first end fixed relative to the frame, and a
second opposite end, and a lever mounted on the second opposite end
of the at least one torsion spring and having a free end in contact
with an underside of the board.
In a sixth embodiment, the stationary bench and the board are
mounted on a frame, and the resistance device includes an axle
rotatably mounted to the frame, a first lever fixedly mounted on
the axle and having a free end in contact with an underside of the
board, a second lever fixedly mounted on the axle and having a free
end, the first and second levers being oriented at different
angular positions on the axle, and a spring resistance mechanism
connected between the frame and the free end of the second lever.
The spring resistance mechanism includes at least one compression
spring connected with the frame and a spring pusher connected
between the at least one compression spring and the free end of the
second lever.
In each of the above embodiments, there is preferably also at least
one spring loaded stop positioned beneath the board for providing a
soft stop of the board when the board is moving downwardly.
Also, the stationary bench and the board are mounted on a frame,
and there is further at least one set of arms positionable to sides
of the frame that a person can hold onto while exercising.
Further, in some embodiments, there is a double hinge having a
first hinge axis that permits the board to pivotally move relative
to the stationary bench and a second hinge axis that permits the
board to pivot in parallel relation directly above the stationary
bench.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed
description thereof which is to be read in connection with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an exercise machine according
to a first embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the exercise machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the double hinge;
FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the exercise machine of FIG.
1, viewed from line 4--4;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged side elevational view of the pad in the
regular exercising position that covers the gap between the bench
and the board;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged side elevational view of one end of the pad
of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, taken along line
7--7;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, taken along
line 8--8 thereof;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, taken along line 9--9
thereof;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, taken along line
10--10 thereof;
FIG. 11 is a side elevation view showing the exercise machine in a
closed position;
FIG. 12 is a side elevational view showing a person lying on his or
her back on the bench and board section such that the person's
torso is on the bench and the person's legs are on the pivotal
board;
FIG. 13 is a side elevational view showing a person lying on his or
her stomach on the bench and board section such that the person's
torso is on the bench and the person's legs are on the pivotal
board;
FIG. 14 is top plan view of FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a side elevational view showing a person lying on his or
her back on the bench and board section such that the person's legs
are on the bench and the person's torso is on the pivotal
board;
FIG. 16 is a side elevational view showing a person lying on his or
her stomach on the bench and board section such that the person's
legs are on the bench and the person's torso is on the pivotal
board;
FIG. 17 is top plan view of FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of a modification of the first
embodiment of the present invention in which the cable is
disengaged from the board and showing a person exercising
therewith;
FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the modification of FIG. 18,
showing a person performing a different exercise therewith;
FIG. 20 is an elevational view of a modification of the first
embodiment in which a different resistance means is used;
FIG. 21 is an elevational view of a modification of the first
embodiment in which a still different resistance means is used;
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an exercise machine according to a
second embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the exercise
machine of FIG. 22, showing the connection of the bench, bench
extension and holder;
FIG. 24 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG.
23, showing the locking arrangement of the square tubes;
FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of the exercise machine of FIG.
22;
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 25, taken along line
26--26 thereof;
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 25, taken along line
27--27 thereof;
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the raising device including
weight holder, board raise angle adjuster, board swing down angle
adjuster and side holders of the exercise machine of FIG. 22;
FIG. 29 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the weight
holder for holding stacked weights;
FIG. 30 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the
weight holder, showing the latch pin arrangement for maintaining
the post in a vertical orientation;
FIG. 31 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the
weight holder, showing the push button arrangement for releasing
the latch button;
FIG. 32 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the
weight holder, showing the latch arrangement therefor;
FIG. 33 is a side elevational view, showing the board swing down
angle adjuster;
FIG. 34 is an enlarged elevational view of the board swing down
angle adjuster, viewed from arrow 34;
FIG. 35 is an enlarged plan view of the board swing down angle
adjuster, viewed from arrow 35;
FIG. 36 is a side elevational view showing a person lying on his or
her back on the bench and board section of the exercise machine of
FIG. 22, such that the person's torso is on the bench and the
person's legs are on the pivotal board;
FIG. 37 is a side elevational view showing a person lying on his or
her stomach on the bench and board section of the exercise machine
of FIG. 22, such that the person's torso is on the bench and the
person's legs are on the pivotal board;
FIG. 38 is top plan view of FIG. 37;
FIG. 39 is an end elevational view of the exercise machine of FIG.
22, showing a person using the sit up holders thereof;
FIG. 40 is a side elevational view showing a person lying on his or
her back on the bench and board section of the exercise machine of
FIG. 22 such that the person's legs are on the bench and the
person's torso is on the pivotal board;
FIG. 41 is a side elevational view showing a person lying on his or
her stomach on the bench and board section of the exercise machine
of FIG. 22 such that the person's legs are on the bench and the
person's torso is on the pivotal board;
FIG. 42 is top plan view of FIG. 41;
FIG. 43 is a side elevational view showing a person lying on his or
her back on the bench and board section of the exercise machine of
FIG. 22, such that the person's legs are on the bench and the
person's torso is on the board which is at its lowermost fixed
position, and the person's feet are positioned under the bench
extension;
FIG. 44 is a side elevational view showing a person lying on his or
her stomach on the bench and board section of the exercise machine
of FIG. 22, such that the person's legs are on the bench and the
person's torso is on the board which is at its lowermost fixed
position, and the person's feet are positioned under the bench
extension;
FIG. 45 is top plan view of FIG. 44;
FIG. 46 is a perspective view of an exercise machine according to a
third embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the board swing up angle adjuster
and board swing down angle adjuster of the exercise machine of FIG.
46;
FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the rollers and adjacent pulley of
the pulley system of the exercise machine of FIG. 46;
FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the cable tension adjuster;
FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of the sliding arrangement of the
cable tension adjuster on the vertically oriented frame;
FIG. 51 is an elevational view of a modification of the third
embodiment in which a different resistance means is used;
FIG. 52 is an elevational view of a modification of the third
embodiment in which a still different resistance means is used;
FIG. 53 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stop spring
arrangement of the board swing down angle adjuster of the exercise
machine of FIG. 46;
FIG. 54 is a top plan view of an exercise machine according to a
fourth embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 55 is an elevational view of the exercise machine of FIG.
54;
FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of the exercise machine of FIG.
55, taken along line 56--56 thereof;
FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of the exercise machine of FIG.
55, taken along line 57--57 thereof;
FIG. 58 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the exercise machine
of FIG. 55, taken along line 58--58 thereof;
FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of the exercise machine of FIG.
55, taken along line 59--59 thereof;
FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of the exercise machine of FIG.
55, taken along line 60--60 thereof;
FIG. 61 is an enlarged elevational view, illustrating the
connection of the spiral spring, small gear and internal gear,
which form a resistance adjuster;
FIG. 62 is an enlarged perspective view of the double hinge;
FIG. 63 is an elevational view showing the exercise machine in a
closed condition;
FIG. 64 is an elevational view showing the exercise machine
standing up on wheels for a spacing saving purpose;
FIG. 65 is a top plan view of an exercise machine according to a
fifth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 66 is an elevational view of the exercise machine of FIG.
65;
FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view of the exercise machine of FIG.
66, taken along line 67--67 thereof;
FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view of the exercise machine of FIG.
66, taken along line 68--68 thereof;
FIG. 69 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the exercise machine
of FIG. 66, taken along line 69--69 thereof;
FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional view of the exercise machine of FIG.
66, taken along line 70--70 thereof;
FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view of the exercise machine of FIG.
66, taken along line 71--71 thereof;
FIG. 72 is an enlarged perspective view of the double hinges,
levers, double-torsion spring and spring stand;
FIG. 73 is an elevational view showing the exercise machine in a
closed condition;
FIG. 74 is an elevational view showing the exercise machine
standing up on wheels for a spacing saving purpose;
FIG. 75 is a top plan view of an exercise machine according to a
sixth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 76 is an elevational view of the exercise machine of FIG.
75;
FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view of the exercise machine of FIG.
76, taken along line 77--77 thereof;
FIG. 78 is a cross-sectional view of the exercise machine of FIG.
76, taken along line 78--78 thereof;
FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional view of the exercise machine of FIG.
76, taken along line 79--79 thereof;
FIG. 80 is a cross-sectional view of the exercise machine of FIG.
76, taken along line 80--80 thereof;
FIG. 81 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the exercise machine
of FIG. 76, taken along line 81--81 thereof;
FIG. 82 is an enlarged perspective view of the spring pusher;
FIG. 83 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the exercise machine
of FIG. 78, taken along line 83--83 thereof;
FIG. 84 is an elevational view showing the exercise machine in a
closed condition;
FIG. 85 is an elevational view showing the exercise machine
standing up on wheels for a spacing saving purpose;
FIG. 86 is an elevational view of another resistance device that
can be used in the exercise machine of the sixth embodiment;
FIG. 87 is an elevational view of another resistance device that
can be used in the exercise machine of the sixth embodiment;
FIG. 88 is an elevational view of another resistance device that
can be used in the exercise machine of the sixth embodiment;
FIG. 89 is an elevational view of another resistance device that
can be used in the exercise machine of the sixth embodiment;
FIG. 90 is an elevational view of another resistance device that
can be used in the exercise machine of the sixth embodiment;
FIG. 91 is an elevational view of another resistance device that
can be used in the exercise machine of the sixth embodiment;
FIG. 92 is an elevational view of another resistance device that
can be used in the exercise machine of the sixth embodiment;
FIG. 93 is an elevational view of another resistance device that
can be used in the exercise machine of the sixth embodiment;
FIG. 94 is an elevational view of another resistance device that
can be used in the exercise machine of the sixth embodiment;
and
FIG. 95 is an elevational view of another resistance device that
can be used in the exercise machine of the sixth embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
First Embodiment
Referring to the drawings, and initially to FIGS. 1 to 11 which
illustrate a first embodiment of the invention, an exercise machine
10 includes a bench and board section 12 comprised of a stationary
bench 16 and a board 18 pivotally hinged at one end to an end of
bench 16 by double hinges 20 shown best in FIG. 3. As shown, one
side 20C of double hinges 20 is mounted to the underside at one end
of bench 16, and the opposite side 20D is mounted to the underside
at one end of board 18. Hinge 20 includes two downwardly extending
ears 20E near board side 20D, each ear 20E being aligned to the
outside of a ring 20B extending down from bench 16. Ears 20E and
rings 20B have aligned holes 20F through which a metal rod 20A
extends for further stabilizing hinge 20 in order to maintain hinge
20 tight against the legs of bench 16 during an exercise. Hinge 20
permits board 18 to be pivoted to a position above the horizontal
with respect to bench 16 and below the horizontal with respect to
bench 16, as will be understood better from the description
hereinafter.
In addition, when metal rod 20A is removed, hinge 20 can pivot
about a hinge pin 20G (FIG. 3) at the bench side, as shown in FIG.
11, for positioning board 18 on top of stationary bench 16 for
storage. Bench 16 is supported on legs 22, as is conventional, at
the front and rear of bench 16.
Exercise machine 10 further includes a pulley system 14 for
controlling raising and lowering of the opposite end of board 18 of
bench and board section 12. In this regard, the opposite end of
board 18 is connected to one end of a cable 24 of pulley system 14
by a hook 26. Cable 24 travels from board 18 over a pulley 28
mounted centrally at the upper end of a rectangular vertically
oriented frame 30. The opposite end of cable 24 is connected to a
vertical bar 32 having a plurality of holes (not shown) and on
which a plurality of stacked weight plates 34 are positioned, each
stacked weight plate 34 having a transverse hole 36. In this
manner, a pin 32A, as is conventional, can be inserted through a
hole 36 to connect the respective weight plate 34 to vertical bar
32. Accordingly, when cable 24 pulls vertical bar 32 upwardly, the
connected weight plate 34, and all weight plates 34 situated
thereabove, are raised. In this regard, each weight plate 34 is
also slidably positioned on two vertical bars 38 connected to frame
30 for guiding the same.
In order to provide comfort to a person utilizing exercise machine
10, a pad 40 is mounted on exercise machine 10 between bench 16 and
board 18. As shown best in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, pad 40 has two bulbous
ends 40A and 40B connected by a relatively flat section 40C.
Bulbous end 40A has two additional layers at the lower surface
thereof, namely, a rubber layer 40D and a piece of semi-flexible
material 40E. Pad 40 is provided for keeping the body comfortable,
protecting the body, and preventing the body from sinking into the
slot between bench 16 and board 18. Rubber layer 40D and
semi-flexible material 40E are on top of the slot between bench 16
and board 18, to prevent pad 40 from sinking into the slot, as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Holding bars 42 are mounted to legs 22 of bench 16 adjacent board
18, for holding onto by a person while performing exercises,
thereby preventing the body of the person from slipping on bench
16. Sit up holders 42A are pivotally provided at the free ends of
holding bars 42 for helping a person sit up after the person has
lain down during an exercise. Holders 42A can swing up, as shown by
the dot-dash lines in FIG. 8. When exercise machine 10 is not in
use, sit up holders 42A swing down to the solid line position in
FIG. 8.
Further, another horizontally oriented bar 44 that extends out from
both sides of bench 16, can slide in a sliding track 46 provided at
the underside of bench 16, and can be releasably fixed at a desired
position in sliding track 46 by a tightening pin or bolt 48, as
best shown in FIG. 7. In this manner, a person can hold onto bar 44
while performing exercises. Foot straps 50 are connected to the
ends of bar 44 and can swing around bar 44. Alternatively, a single
foot belt or single foot strap for both feet can be used in place
of the two foot straps 50. When foot straps 50 are positioned under
bar 44, a person holds onto bar 44 as a holding bar, and when foot
straps 50 are moved above bar 44, a person's feet can fit in foot
straps 50 when the person is lying down on bench 16 and performing
exercises.
Another sliding track 52 is provided on the ground for connecting
bench and board section 12 and pulley system 14. In this regard,
bench and board section 12 is mounted on sliding track 52. Thus,
while a person is performing an exercise, sliding track 52 is in
extended or longest position and the distance between bench and
board section 12 and pulley system 14 is at a predetermined
distance. However, when sliding track 52 is pushed in completely,
sliding track 52 is positioned entirely under bench 16 and exercise
machine 10 is closed, as shown in FIG. 11.
As previously discussed, board 18 can pivot down to a position
below a horizontal position with respect to bench 16, and in fact,
can touch the ground. In this regard, a stop spring 54 is mounted
on a sliding track 56 mounted under bench 16 and can elongate to
adjust the length thereof and the position of stop spring 54 with
respect to the free end of pivoting board 18. Stop spring 54
thereby helps board 18 stop slowly. When sliding track 56 is pushed
in completely, stop spring 54 is positioned under bench 16. A stop
spring plate 58 is mounted under board 18 for protecting board 18
from any possible damage from impacting against stop spring 54.
With the above arrangement, as a person pushes down on board 18,
board 18 pivots downwardly about hinges 20, as shown by the dashed
line position in FIG. 12, against the resistance of stacked weight
plates 34. When the person releases the pushing down force, stacked
weight plates 34, through cable 24, raise board 18 to the solid
line position in FIG. 12. It will be appreciated that the person
can lie on his or her back, as shown in FIG. 12, or on his or her
stomach, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, to perform the exercises,
thereby exercising different muscles.
Further, rather than the person's torso on bench 16 and the
person's legs on board 18, the reverse can occur, as shown in FIGS.
15-17, for performing still different exercises.
It will be appreciated that various modifications can be made to
exercise machine 10. For example, rather than one end of cable 24
being connected to the free end of board 18, it can be disengaged
therefrom and connected to a pulling bar 60 by means of a hook 62.
Thus, a person can perform exercises, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19,
by sitting on bench and board section 12 and pulling on pulling bar
60 to raise and lower stacked weight plates 34. When not in use,
pulling bar 60 can be stored in a holder 64 on vertically oriented
frame 30.
Further, cable 24 can include a plurality of holes (not shown) in
different positions for connecting hook 26 or 62. When hook 26
connects to different positions on cable 24, board 18 will be
raised up at different angles. Further, with this arrangement, hook
62 can connect to different positions on cable 24 for people of
different heights.
As a further modification, stacked weight plates 34 can be replaced
with other resistance means, such as tension springs 34A, as shown
in FIG. 20, compression piston-cylinders 34B, as shown in FIG. 21,
elastomer materials or the like.
Second Embodiment
Referring now to FIGS. 22-35, an exercise machine 110 according to
a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described
in which the resistance means is provided directly on the bench and
board section, rather than through a pulley system. Specifically,
exercise machine 110 includes a bench and board section 112
comprised of a stationary bench 116, and a board 118 pivotally
hinged at one end to a first end of bench 116 by a conventional
single hinge. The hinge permits board 118 to be pivoted to a
position above the horizontal with respect to bench 116 and below
the horizontal with respect to bench 116, as will be understood
better from the description hereinafter. Bench 116 is supported on
legs 122, as is conventional, at the front and rear of bench 116,
and legs 122 are in turn connected to a lower frame 123.
As shown best in FIGS. 23 and 24, a square tube 124 is fixedly
connected to the underside of the second, opposite end of bench
116, and a square tube 126 is telescopically received in square
tube 124 and extends outwardly therefrom past the end of bench 116.
Square tube 124 has a single hole 124A therein and square tube 126
has a plurality of holes 126A therein, each of which can align with
hole 124A in square tube 124. A pin or bolt 128 can extend through
these holes to releasably lock square tube 126 in a desired
longitudinal position with respect to bench 116. A bench extension
130 is mounted on the free end of tube 126 at the same height as
bench 116, and is moved with square tube 126 as it is adjusted in
square tube 124.
A rod 132 slidably extends within square tube 126 for a short
sliding distance therein, to permit movement of a person's legs
while performing exercises, but is restrained from escaping from
square tube 126. Rod 132 includes a projection 134 thereon which
slides within a slot 136 in square tube 126, and a coil spring 138
positioned in square tube 126 abuts against projection 134 to
normally bias rod 132 in a direction out of square tube 126. A pin
140 can be provided in square tube 126 to lock rod 132 in a desired
position, that is, to prevent sliding movement thereof.
Alternatively, pin 140 can be removed entirely to provide a sliding
adjustment movement during an exercise.
A holder 142 adjustably mounts to the other end of rod 132 by a pin
144 so that the length thereof can be adjusted, and includes a grip
146 at the free end of holder 142 and extending transversely
thereto.
A square tube 148, board extension 150, rod 152 and holder 154
connect to board 118 in the same manner as square tube 126, bench
extension 130, rod 132 and holder 142 connect to bench 116, but
extending in the opposite direction.
Further, there are preferably pads (not shown) covering bench
extension 130, bench 116, board 118, and board extension 150.
Side holders 156 are pivotally mounted to the underside of bench
116 by pivot pins 158, for movement to a position parallel to and
underneath bench 116 while not in use and in a closed position, as
shown in dot-dash lines in FIGS. 25, 26 and 28, and extending out
perpendicular to bench 116 while in use, as shown in FIGS. 22 and
27 and the solid lines in FIGS. 25, 26 and 28. Side holders 156 can
be held onto while performing exercises, thereby preventing the
body from slipping.
As shown best in FIGS. 26 and 28, the inner ends of side holders
156 are provided with a rectangular open channel 156a defined by
parallel, spaced apart walls 156b and 156c extending inwardly
toward bench 116, and a cylindrical open channel 156d in open
communication with rectangular open channel 156. Cylindrical open
channel 156d is defined by a cylindrical wall 156e that is cut open
at one portion, with opposite ends of the cut open portion of
cylindrical wall 156e connected with walls 156b and 156c. Pivot pin
158 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped configuration, and as
shown in FIG. 28, fits snugly between spaced apart walls 156b and
156c. In this position, the respective side holder 156 cannot
rotate about pivot pin 158, and is thereby fixed in position.
In order to move a side holder 156 from the solid line position in
FIG. 28 to the dashed line position, the side holder is pulled out
such that pivot pin 158 is positioned in cylindrical open channel
156d, whereby side holder 156 can now be pivoted to the dashed line
position. Once at the dashed line position, the side holder is
moved such that pivot pin 158 is again positioned in rectangular
open channel 156a to prevent rotation of the side holder.
Sit up holders 160 are provided at the ends of side holders 156 for
helping a person to sit up after the person performs an exercise
while lying down. Sit up holders 160 can swing up when a person
holds onto them while performing sit ups, as shown by solid lines
in FIG. 27, and can swing down when not in use, as shown in FIGS.
22, 25 and 28 and by the dashed lines in FIG. 27.
Exercise machine 110 further includes a raising device 162 beneath
bench and board section 112 for raising board 118, using stacked
weights, with the stacked weights being omitted from FIG. 28 for
the sake of clarity.
Raising device 162 includes a weight holder 164 comprised of an arm
166, the upper end of which is fixed on an axle 168 mounted between
two legs 122. A hollow stub tube 170 extends perpendicularly from
the lower end of arm 166 so as to be horizontally oriented, and is
positioned beneath bench 116. A horizontally oriented bar 172 is
rotatably mounted in stub tube 170, and a normally vertically
oriented hollow post 174 is fixed to bar 172 for stacking weights
176 thereon. Because bar 172 can rotate within stub tube 170, post
174 can rotate between the vertical position shown by solid lines
in FIGS. 25-28 and the horizontal dot-dash line position shown in
FIGS. 25 and 26.
As shown in FIGS. 29-31, in order to releasably lock post 174 in
the vertical position, a latch pin 178 is slidably positioned in an
opening 180 at the lower end of a wall of post 174. Latch pin 178
has a first end which extends into an opening in an external
projection 182 of stub tube 170 for releasably locking post 174 in
the vertical position, and a second, opposite end that extends into
hollow post 174. Latch pin 178 includes a disk 184 centrally
thereon, and a coil spring 186 in opening 180 has one end abutting
against a partial closure 188 of opening 180 and disk 184 to
normally bias latch pin 178 out of the opening in external
projection 182.
A rod 190 is slidably positioned in post 174 and includes an
opening 192 having a lower inclined surface 194. When rod 190 is in
a raised position, as shown in FIG. 30, inclined surface 194 abuts
against the second, opposite end of latch pin 178 to push the
opposite first end of latch pin 178 into the opening in external
projection 182 of stub tube 170. A button 196 is provided on the
top of rod 190 and extends slightly out from the upper end of post
174. A cap 198 at the upper end of post 174 engages with an
enlarged disk 199 at the upper end of rod 190 to prevent rod 190
from escaping from post 174. A larger diameter opening 200 is
provided at the inner surface of the open end of post 174, thereby
forming an annular shoulder 202 at the lower end of larger diameter
opening 200. Further, A spring 204 is positioned in larger diameter
opening 200 and engages between annular shoulder 202 and enlarged
disk 199 to push rod 190 in a direction out of post 174, so that
lower inclined surface 194 normally abut against the second,
opposite end of latch pin 178 to push the opposite first end of
latch pin 178 into the opening in external projection 182 of stub
tube 170. However, when button 196 is pushed down against the force
of spring 204, lower inclined surface 194 is moved down, whereby
spring 186 pushes latch pin 178 to the right in FIG. 30 and out of
the opening in external projection 182 of stub tube 170. In such
case, post 174 and bar 172 can rotate within stub tube 170 to the
horizontal position shown by dot-dash lines in FIGS. 25 and 26 so
that weights 176 can be added thereto, whereupon, post 174 is
rotated back to the vertical position and locked in place by latch
pin 178.
Alternatively, rather than releasing pin 178 by spring 186 when
inclined surface 194 is moved down, an arrangement can be provided
whereby inclined surface 194, when pushed down, directly engages
the head of pin 178 to pull pin 178 out.
There is another latch 206 between bar 172 and arm 166 for
releasably retaining bar 172 and post 174 in either the vertical
position shown by solid lines in FIGS. 25-29 for exercising or the
horizontal dot-dash line position shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 for
loading weights onto post 174. Preferably, latch 206 comprises a
square-head and set-screw, which engages with a set-screw nut 208
which matches latch 206. In such case, there is a square hole in
the end of bar 172 that rotates and moves latch 206 into and out of
engagement to lock bar 172 in one of the two rotatable positions.
Thus, bar 172 can be pulled out, rotated and pushed back in to a
different rotatable position and locked therein. Of course, any
other suitable arrangement can be used for releasably locking bar
172 in one of the two rotatable positions. For example, the latch
can rotate out to fit into a hole in a leg 122, to keep the entire
weight holder 164 from moving while weights are being added or
removed.
When post 174 is rotated down to the horizontal position, it is in
line with a spare weight holder 210 for holding additional weights
176 for use in the exercise and which can be loaded onto post 174.
Spare weight holder 210 comprises a bar 212 mounted to a vertical
extension at the rear of frame 123 and extending in line with the
lengthwise direction of bench 116, for mounting weights 176
thereon. A bar 214 is pivotally mounted to the end of bar 212. When
adding or removing weights 176, bar 214 is in line with bar 212, as
shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 by the dot-dash lines therein. In such
case, weights 176 can move onto or off from bars 212 and 214.
However, when exercise machine 110 is in use, weights 176 are not
permitted to be added or removed, and in this regard bar 214 is
pivoted to a position perpendicular to bar 212, as shown in FIG.
22. A clip 216 can be provided on bar 212 for preventing movement
of weights 176 thereon. In like manner, a clip 218 can be provided
in association with post 174 to prevent weights 176 from moving
thereon, as shown in FIG. 22.
In order to transmit the energy from board 118 during an exercise
to weight holder 164, raising device 162 includes a small L-shaped
lever 222 rotatably mounted on axle 168. A small wheel 222A is
provided on the free end of lever 222, with wheel 222A in contact
with the bottom of board 118. While exercise machine 110 is in use,
board 118 is moving up and down, and wheel 222A moves along the
bottom of board 118. A small spring 222B is connected between the
free end of lever 222 and the pivoted end of board 118 so as to
force small wheel 222A in the counter-clockwise direction of FIG.
28, always in contact with board 118. As will be explained
hereinafter, lever 222 can be releasably fixed with axle 168.
In this manner, when lever 222 is fixed relative to axle 168, and
as board 118 is pushed down from the initial position of FIG. 25,
axle 168 is caused to rotate by lever 222. As a result, arm 166 and
post 174 also rotate in the clockwise direction of FIG. 25 to an
angle relative to the vertical. When the pushing force is removed
or lessened, the force created by the weights 176 on the rotated
post 174, causes board 118 to move back to its original position,
whereby post 174 again is vertically oriented.
However, to prevent arm 166 from traveling too far during the
return movement, an over-rotation stopper 260 is mounted on a leg
122, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 28, against which arm 166 impacts to
prevent weight holder 164 from over-rotating. Preferably,
over-rotation stopper 260 includes a set of plate springs for
helping weight holder 164 stop slowly.
In accordance with the present invention, the initial angle of
board 118 can be adjusted from that shown in FIG. 25, with post 174
maintained in the vertical orientation, in order to vary the
exercises and/or adjust for the individual.
Accordingly, a board swing up angle adjuster 224 includes a spline
226 fixed on lever 222, a spline 228 fixed on axle 168 immediately
adjacent to spline 226, and an outer spline 230 mounted over
splines 226 and 228 and in meshing engagement therewith, in order
to lock lever 222 to axle 168. When outer spline 230 moves away
from lever 222 so as only to cover spline 228 on axle 168, lever
222 is free to rotate around axle 168. This allows a person to
select different initial angular orientations for board 118. When
outer spline 230 covers both splines 226 and 228 on axle 168 and
lever 222, exercise machine 110 is ready to work. In such case,
energy transfers from board 118 to lever 222, then from spline 226
on lever 222 to outer spline 230, then to spline 228 on axle 168,
then to arm 166, and finally to weight holder 164.
As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, in order to move outer spline 230, a
spline mover 232 is provided and includes diametrically opposite
cylindrical projections 234 extending radially out from the outer
surface of outer spline 230. Each cylindrical projection 234
includes a fixed post and a cylindrical member rotatable around the
fixed post. An arm 236 is connected to a lower end of a frame 238
that is in contact with projections 234. Arm 236 is pivoted at its
lower end to the frame by a pivot pin 236A. The lower end of arm
236 further includes a pivotal foot pedal 236B which can pivot down
and out from a stored position. Thus, as a person pushes against
the foot pedal 236B, pivoting frame 238 functions to move outer
spline 230 away from lever 222, thereby disengaging outer spline
230 from spline 226. Foot pedal 236B is normally parallel to arm
236 for safety purposes and to save space. After spline 230 has
been moved out of engagement with spline 226, board 118 is adjusted
to the desired angular orientation by grasping and pivoting board
118, and thereby lever 222 moves with board 118. Accordingly,
spline 226, which is fixed to lever 222, moves with lever 222, to
adjust the position of spline 226 relative to spline 228.
Thereafter, when foot pedal 236B is disengaged, a spring 240 biases
outer spline 230 back over both splines 226 and 228, thereby
resulting in board 118 being provided at a different angular
orientation. At such time, a small spring 242 engaged between frame
238 and the machine frame, functions to move frame 238 back to its
original neutral position. In this manner, different angles for
board 118 can be selected as an initial position.
The downward extent that board 118 pivots down during an exercise
is also limited. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 33-35, a
board swing down angle adjuster 244 is comprised of a first element
246 mounted to the underside of bench 116 and a second element 248
telescopically received over first element 246. Each of elements
246 and 248 have a plurality of holes that can be aligned with each
other, and a pin 250 can be inserted therein to select the position
of second element 248 on first element 246 and to thereby fix first
and second elements relative to each other. As will be appreciated
from the discussion hereinafter, by selecting different holes for
pin 250, the lower limit of pivoting movement of board 118 can be
changed.
A stop spring 252 is provided on the free end of second element 248
for helping board 118 stop slowly. Specifically, stop spring 252
preferably comprises many pieces of plate spring 254 arranged in a
bellows like arrangement, and two nails or bolts 256 secure the
ends of plate spring 254 to the free end of second element 248.
Thus, as board 118 is pushed down, it pushes down lever 222 with
it, and lever 222 abuts against stop spring 252 at the lower
limit.
As with the first embodiment, there is a resistance means
associated with the pivoting board.
Third Embodiment
Referring to FIGS. 46-53, an exercise machine 300 according to a
third embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed.
Exercise machine 300 includes a bench and board section 302 which
is identical to bench and board section 112 of the second
embodiment, except for the resistance means, and therefore, a
detailed discussion thereof will be omitted for the sake of
brevity. Exercise machine 300 is basically a hybrid of the first
and second embodiments.
As with the second embodiment, exercise machine 300 includes a
board swing up angle adjuster 342, as shown in FIG. 47, which is
identical to board swing up angle adjuster 224 of the second
embodiment, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be
omitted. Thus, for example, board swing up angle adjuster 342
includes an axle 368, a lever 322 rotatably mounted on axle 368 and
which can be fixed thereto by the adjustable spline assembly, and
an arm 366 fixed to axle 368. However, rather than weight plates
being indirectly mounted to arm 366, the resistance means includes
a pulley system 314 similar to that of the first embodiment, for
controlling raising and lowering of the opposite end of the pivotal
board of bench and board section 302. In this regard, the lower end
of arm 366 includes a projection 360 connected to one end of a
cable 324 of pulley system 314.
Cable 324 travels from projection 360 to a nip between two rollers
335 mounted to lower frame 323 and around a pulley 333 also mounted
to lower frame 323, where it makes a 90.degree. bend. Rollers 335
are provided for controlling cable 324 from shaking, and preventing
cable 324 from slipping out of pulley 333. From there, cable 324
travels around another pulley 331 mounted to lower frame 323, where
it makes a further 900 bend, still lying in the horizontal plane.
Cable 324 then travels around a pulley 329 mounted to lower frame
323 where it travels vertically upward around a pulley 326A mounted
to a cable tension adjuster 326 which is mounted to the upper end
of a rectangular vertically oriented frame 330. As will be
appreciated, vertically oriented frame 330 is identical to
vertically oriented frame 30 of the first embodiment, and thereby
includes a vertical bar 332 having a plurality of holes and on
which a plurality of stacked weight plates 334 are positioned, each
stacked weight plate 334 having a hole. In this manner, a pin 332A,
as is conventional, can be inserted through a hole in a stacked
weight plate 334 to connect the respective weight plate 334 to
vertical bar 332. Accordingly, as will be appreciated from the
discussion hereinafter, when cable 324 pulls vertical bar 332
upwardly, the connected weight plate 334, and all weight plates 334
situated thereabove, are raised. In this regard, each weight plate
334 is slidably positioned on two vertical bars 338.
From pulley 326A of cable tension adjuster 326, cable 324 is turned
90.degree. and travels around a pulley 328 mounted centrally to the
upper end of vertically oriented frame 330 and then down through an
opening (not shown) in frame 330 and is connected to vertical bar
332. In this regard, as board 318 is pushed down, the resistance is
provided through cable 324 connected to the weight stack mounted to
vertical bar 332.
Cable tension adjuster 326 is provided for adjusting loose cable,
and is comprised of a gear rack 326B slidably connected by a
dovetail arrangement to the upper surface of vertically oriented
frame 330. Gear rack 326B can be releasably fixed at a selected
position by a bolt 326E extending through a side wall of guide rack
326B and engaging a plate 326F interposed between gear rack 326B
and vertically oriented frame 330 in the dovetail sliding
arrangement. Plate 326F thereby tightens gear rack 326B to
vertically oriented frame 330 without damaging frame 330.
Gear rack 326B has a rack 326G on the upper surface with a
plurality of teeth. A gear 326C is positioned on rack 326G in
meshing engagement with the teeth thereof. Gear 326C is fixed on an
axle 326H which extends outwardly through ears 326I extending
upwardly from vertically oriented frame 330, and a rotatable handle
326D is connected to axle 326H. Thus, as handle 326D is rotated,
gear rack 326B is caused to move in a direction along the upper
surface of vertically oriented frame 330 to tighten or loosen cable
324.
Further, a board swing down adjuster 344 is provided on the ground,
as shown in FIGS. 47 and 53, and comprises a sliding track 344B
connected with lower frame 323 for moving board swing down adjuster
344 toward or away from lower frame 323. Sliding track 344B
includes a plurality of holes 344D therein, and a vertical mount
344E is slidably mounted on track 344B and includes a hole that can
align with holes 344D. A pin 344C is inserted through the hole in
vertical mount 344E and one of the selected holes 344D to adjust
the position of vertical mount 344E on sliding track 344B.
The upper end of vertical mount 344E includes two spaced apart
posts 344I, each having a spring 344J therein and a cap 344A
positioned thereover. Thus, as board 118 is pushed down, the
underside thereof impacts against caps 344A which are pushed down
against the force of springs 344J, for helping board 118 stop
slowly.
As in the first embodiment, the stacked weight plates 334 can be
replaced with other resistance means, such as tension springs, as
shown in FIG. 51, compression piston-cylinders, as shown in FIG.
52, elastomer materials or the like.
Fourth Embodiment
Referring to FIGS. 54-64, an exercise machine 400 according to a
fourth embodiment of the invention includes a bench and board
section 412 comprised of a stationary bench 416 and a board 418
pivotally hinged at one end to an end of bench 416 by hinges 420
shown best in FIGS. 56 and 62. As shown, one side 420C of double
hinges 420 is mounted to the underside at one end of bench 416, and
the opposite side 420D is mounted to the underside at the one end
of board 418. Hinge 420 includes two downwardly extending ears 420E
near board side 420D, each ear 420E being aligned to the outside of
a ring 420B extending down from bench 416. Ears 420E and rings 420B
have aligned holes 420F through which a metal rod 420A extends for
further stabilizing hinge 420 in order to maintain hinge 420 tight
against the legs of bench 416 during an exercise. Hinge 420 permits
board 418 to be pivoted to a position above the horizontal with
respect to bench 416 and below the horizontal with respect to bench
416, as will be understood better from the description
hereinafter.
In addition, when metal rod 420A is removed, hinge 420 can pivot
about a hinge pin 420G (FIG. 62) at the bench side, as shown in
FIG. 63, for positioning board 418 on top of stationary bench 416
for storage. Bench 416 is supported on legs 422, as is
conventional, at the front and rear of bench 16.
In order to provide comfort to a person utilizing exercise machine
400, a pad 440 constructed in the same manner as pad 40 of the
first embodiment is mounted on exercise machine 400 between bench
416 and board 418 in the same manner as in the first
embodiment.
Side holders 456 are pivotally mounted to the underside of bench
416 by pivot pins 458, for movement to a position parallel to and
underneath bench 416 while not in use and in a closed position, as
shown in FIG. 63, and extending out perpendicular to bench 416
while in use, as shown in FIGS. 54, 57 and 58. Side holders 456 can
be held onto while performing exercises, thereby preventing the
body from slipping.
Sit up holders 460 are provided at the ends of side holders 456 for
helping a person to sit up after the person performs an exercise
while lying down. Sit up holders 460 can swing up when a person
holds onto them while performing sit ups, as shown by solid lines
in FIG. 58, and can swing down when not in use, as shown in FIG. 58
by dashed lines.
As best shown in FIG. 56, horizontally oriented bars 444, each
comprised of three sections 444A, 444B and 444C pivotally connected
to each other, extend out from both sides of the opposite end of
bench 416. Each section 444A is pivotally connected to a stand 445
which can slide in a sliding track 446 provided at the underside of
bench 416 and which extends in the lengthwise direction of bench
416. Stand 445 can be releasably fixed at a desired position in
sliding track 446 by a tightening bolt 448. Alternatively, a pin
can be used in place of bolt 448 and inserted in different openings
in sliding track 446 to position stand 445 at different positions
of sliding track 446. In this manner, bars 444 can be moved to a
desired lengthwise position along bench 416, and sections 444A,
444B and 444C can then be pivoted relative to each other to provide
different configurations for holding onto, for example, as shown in
FIGS. 54, 56 and 60, while performing exercises. For example, FIG.
60 shows the bars 444 bent over bench 416, allowing the elbows of
the person to be placed on bench 416 while holding onto bars 444,
increasing the person's comfort. Bars 444 can be positioned
parallel to and under bench 416 while not in use, as shown in FIG.
63. Further, covers (not shown) can be placed on bars 444 to cover
sections 444A, 444B and 444C.
Exercise machine 400 further includes a raising device 462 beneath
bench and board section 412 for raising board 418, using a spiral
spring.
Raising device 462 comprises a lever 464 having one end connected
to an axle 468. The inner end of a spiral spring 470 also connects
to axle 468. One end of lever 464 has a board swing up angle
adjuster 442 thereon which contacts the underside of raising board
418. Axle 468 transfers the energy from board 418 to spiral spring
470, as shown in FIGS. 55 and 57, so that swing up angle adjuster
442 is biased in the direction of board 418. There is a small wheel
443 on the end of board swing up angle adjuster 442 which contacts
the underside of board 418 while the machine is in use. When board
418 swings up and down, wheel 443 moves along the bottom of board
418.
As discussed above, the other end of lever 464 is connected to axle
468, and axle 468 is connected to spiral spring 470, with axle 468
being in the center of spiral spring 470. A small axle 472 is
connected to the opposite end of spiral spring 470, with a small
gear 474 mounted on small axle 472, as shown in FIG. 61. An arm 476
is connected between axle 468 and small axle 472, and a pin 478
holds arm 476 on an outer casing or box 480 in which spiral spring
470 is encased. When pin 478 is not inserted, small gear 474 can
move on internal gear 482 provided on the inner surface of casing
480, and when pin 478 is inserted, small gear 474 cannot move, that
is, is fixed in position. Small gear 474, when movable, can move
along internal gear 482 in order to select different positions to
adjust the resistance. A handle 484 connected with small axle 472
is used to move small gear 474 to different positions on internal
gear 482, as shown in FIG. 61.
A stop spring 454 is installed on lever 464 in order to help board
418 stop slowly. By selecting different holes on lever 464 to which
stop spring 454 is attached, lever 464 will make different angles
for board 418 to swing down, thereby forming a board swing down
angle adjuster.
The lower frame 423 includes four foldable feet 433, a sliding
track 435, and four wheels 437, as shown in FIGS. 54, 55, 57-60, 63
and 64. Foldable feet 433 are installed on sides of lower frame
423. When feet 433 are folded to an open condition, they keep the
bench stable. Foldable feet 433 close to save space, as shown in
FIG. 59 by the dashed lines. A strut stick 433A and pin 433B are
provided on foldable feet 433 for locking feet 433 in the open
position, when the machine is in use. When feet 433 are folded
against lower frame 423 for storage, struts 433A are parallel to
feet 433, and pins 433B automatically snap into holes (not shown)
near the end of feet 433 to keep feet 433 locked in a stored
position.
Sliding track 435 is installed on an end of lower frame 423, also
keeping the bench stable. When the machine is in use, sliding track
435 is extended to its longest position, as shown in FIGS. 55 and
57. When the machine is closed, sliding track 435 is pushed in,
under bench 416, as shown in FIGS. 63 and 64.
Further, when machine is closed for storage, pad 440 is preferably
removed, board 418 moves over bench 416, as shown in FIG. 63. At
this time, foldable feet 433 are closed, and sliding track 435 is
closed under bench 416.
The machine can stand up for saving space, when storing the
machine. In this regard, wheels 437 can help machine move easily,
as shown in FIG. 64.
Fifth Embodiment
Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 65-74,
illustrating a fifth embodiment of the invention, an exercise
machine 500 includes a bench and board section 512, as in the
fourth embodiment, and a raising device 562 for raising board 518
of bench and board section 512. A description of bench and board
section 512 is omitted since the construction is the same as that
of bench and board section 412 of the fourth embodiment.
Raising device 562 is located under bench and board section 512,
and uses a set of double-torsion springs to raise board 518.
Specifically, raising device 562 includes a set of small L-shaped
levers 522' and 522", each having a wheel or roller 522A at the
free end thereof. Wheel 522A contacts the bottom of board 518 while
the machine is in use. When board 518 swings up and down, wheel
522A moves along the bottom of board 518.
The opposite end of each of levers 522' and 522" is connected to a
respective double-torsion spring 522B which functions to bias
levers 522' and 522" in the direction of board 518. Although only
two levers 522' and 522" are shown, the present invention is not
limited thereby, and more than two levers may be used. In this
case, lever 522' represents the set of levers that are in use, and
lever 522" represents the set of levers that are not in use. Lever
522' thereby transfers the energy from board 518 to the respective
double-torsion spring 522B, as shown in FIGS. 66, 68 and 69.
An axle 568 is fitted through the center of double-torsion springs
522B, as shown in FIG. 72, and a pin 531 locks axle 568 on a
torsion spring stand 533. By releasing pin 531, a user can easily
add or remove double-torsion springs 522B and corresponding levers
on axle 568. A plate 535 provides resistance for the opposite end
of double-torsion spring 522B when using lever 522'. Pins 537
releasably lock plate 535 on torsion spring stand 533.
A plate 539 provides resistance for the opposite end of
double-torsion spring 522B for lever 5221", which is the lever not
being used, that is, which constitutes a spare lever. The user can
easily select which lever to be in use or not in use. If the end of
double-torsion spring 522B is on the front of plate 535, the lever
is in use, while if the end of double-torsion spring 522B is
between plate 535 and plate 539, the lever is not in use. Pins 541
releasably lock stand 533 on frame 523. Stand 533 also forms a
board swing up adjuster 542. By selecting different holes 542A on
frame 523 for stand 533, different angles can be provided for board
518 to swing up.
A stop spring 554 is installed on a sliding track 581, as shown in
FIGS. 66, 68 and 73. Stop spring 554 helps board 518 stop slowly,
and also forms part of a board swing down angle adjuster. This
allows stop spring 554 to select different holes on sliding track
581, to provide different angles for board 518 to swing down.
Sixth Embodiment
Referring to the drawings, and initially to FIGS. 75-85, an
exercise machine 600 according to a sixth embodiment of the present
invention includes a bench and board section 612, which is the same
as that of the fourth embodiment, and accordingly, a detailed
description thereof will be omitted for the sake of brevity.
A raising device 662 is positioned under bench and board section
612, and uses a set of compression springs to raise board 618, as
shown in FIGS. 76, 81 and 84. Raising device 662 includes two arm
levers 622, each mounted on an axle 668. A spring pusher 675 is
biased by a set of compression springs 677, for biasing levers 622.
Although there are six compression springs 677 displayed in the
figures, the present invention is not limited to six compression
springs, and any suitable number can be used.
The two arm levers 622 transmit energy from board 618 to
compression spring pusher 675, and then to compression springs 677,
as shown in FIGS. 76, 78 and 81. One arm lever 622 holds a board
swing up angle adjuster 642 thereon which contacts the underside of
raising board 618. A small wheel 643 is provided on the end of this
arm lever 622 and contacts the underside of board 618 while machine
600 is in use. When board 618 swings up and down, wheel 643 moves
along the bottom of the board. The other arm lever 622 is connected
to spring pusher 675 by a pivot wheel 675A, with axle 668 slipped
through the center of arm levers 622, as shown in FIGS. 76 and 81.
Rollers 675B of spring pusher 675 provide for sliding movement of
spring pusher 675.
Spring pusher 675 pushes the aforementioned set of compression
springs 677. Pins 679 releasably lock spring pusher 675 and
compression springs 677 together. Thus, when pins 679 are plugged
in, compression springs 677 are in use, and when pins 679 are not
plugged in, compression springs 677 are not in use. Spring pusher
675 moves on sliding tracks 681 mounted to lower frame 623, as
shown in FIGS. 76, 81 and 83. Spring stands 683 and 685 hold
compression springs 677, as shown in FIGS. 76, 78 and 84.
A stop spring 654 is installed on a sliding track 656, as shown in
FIGS. 76 and 78. Stop spring 654 helps board 618 stop slowly and
thereby also functions as a board swing down angle adjuster. In
this regard, stop spring 654 can be selectively secured to
different holes on sliding track 656, to provide different angles
for the board to swing down.
It will be appreciated that the resistance mechanism is not limited
to a compression spring, nor in the manner of securement shown in
the sixth embodiment, but may be constructed in a variety of styles
including tension springs 677A, 677B, 677C, or compression springs
677D and 677E, as shown in FIGS. 86-90, and even air compression
means 677F, 677G, 677H, 6771 and 677J, as shown in FIGS. 91-95, and
connected in different ways.
Having described specific preferred embodiments of the invention
with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated
that the present invention is not limited to those precise
embodiments and that various changes and modifications can be
effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without
departing from the scope or spirit of the invention defined by the
appended claims.
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